Abatec introduces system to convert glycerol into methanol

Argentina-based Abatec SA has introduced its BD4-MG system to produce methanol from raw glycerol.

The Savoia BD4-MG system can treat 1,000 liters (250 gallons) per day of glycerol to produce around 35 percent dry methanol, 25 percent free fatty acids and balance of glycols. The only inputs are water and power, according to Abatec. The methanol and free fatty acids can be added to the alcoholysis reaction to reduce the cost of biodiesel production.

The company also offers the BD2-G reactor to convert 100 percent glycerol in cattle feed.

2 Responses

Hello Megan: the BD4-MG process is an update of the well known hydrogenolisys reaction, designed to be used by the small biodiesel producers.
The cost of the methanol made is about half of its market price.

"The system can treat glycerol to produce around 35 percent dry methanol, 25 percent free fatty acids and balance of glycols"
Could you, please, give more information on this process? While production of methanol and glycols from glycerol seems possible, how could you produce fatty acids from glycerol? Which fatty acid?

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